December 16, 2024

Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie has been named the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for the second consecutive year at the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper earned the honor after an outstanding season with French club Paris FC, where she was also recognized as the Première Ligue Goalkeeper of the Season for 2023-24.

Nnadozie’s exceptional performances were key to Paris FC’s strong season, and her consistent displays in goal continued to make her one of the top shot-stoppers in European women’s football.

Nnadozie’s rise to prominence began with Nigeria’s national team, where she has been a vital part of the Super Falcons for several years.

She played a crucial role in their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, helping them reach the Round of 16.

Her saves against top teams like Canada and Australia was one of her standout performances, solidifying her reputation on the international stage.

“I’m incredibly honored to win this award again,” Chiamaka Nnadozie said after receiving her trophy. “It’s been a year full of challenges, but I’ve worked hard to improve every day.”

“This is not just for me, but for all the support I’ve received from my teammates and coaches.”

The Super Falcons of Nigeria once again, won the Africa Women’s National Team of the Year award on Monday night at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards in Marrakesh, Morocco.

The Nigerian women’s national football team edged out South Africa’s Bayana Bayana, who took second place, and Morocco’s Lionesses, who secured third.

The Super Falcons’ impressive performance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup earned them the top honor.

Under the guidance of head coach Randy Waldrum, Nigeria secured two draws and a thrilling 3-2 win over host Australia in the group stages, advancing to the knockout rounds.

Although they were knocked out in the second round by England after a penalty shootout, the Falcons made history by keeping two clean sheets in the tournament — a first for any African team at the World Cup.

Striker Asisat Oshoala also etched her name into history by becoming the first African player to score in three different Women’s World Cups, thanks to her goal against Australia.

In addition, the Super Falcons made a landmark achievement by qualifying for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, marking their first Olympic appearance in 16 years.

Despite not progressing beyond the group stage in the competition, their earlier World Cup performances had set a high bar.

NFF president, Ibrahim Gusau represented and received the award on behalf of the national team.

“We are grateful for this award again this year. I was here last year to receive this same award, and it’s a great honor to win it again,” Gusau said.

The race to secure one of Africa’s four coveted spots in the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is officially underway.

Everton Women handed Manchester City their first loss of the season, defeating the reigning UWCL quarterfinalists 2-1 and leaving their title hopes hanging by a thread at Walton Hall Pack.

As the 2024 CAF Awards ceremony draws near, all eyes are on two of Nigeria’s brightest football stars, Chiamaka Nnadozie and Ademola Lookman, as they vie for the prestigious Player of the Year honors in their respective categories.

The Super Falcons’ shot-stopper, Nnadozie, is one of the leading contenders for the Women’s Player of the Year award, a title recently dominated by her fellow Nigerian Asisat Oshoala.

Chiamaka Nnadozie, a key figure in Nigeria’s football resurgence, has had a standout year, playing an instrumental role in the Super Falcons’ qualification for next year’s Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Her stellar performances also helped Nigeria secure a spot in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament after a 16-year absence.

Additionally, her remarkable displays with French club Paris FC have earned her widespread acclaim. Nnadozie faces stiff competition from Moroccan goalkeeper Sanâa Mssoudy and Zambia’s Barbra Banda.

Beyond the Player of the Year award, Nnadozie is also in contention to retain her Goalkeeper of the Year title.

She faces competition from South Africa’s Andile Dlamini and Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi, both of whom have also impressed on the continental stage.

On the men’s side, Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman is in the running for CAF’s Male Player of the Year award.

Lookman is up against tough competition, including Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Senegal’s Sadio Mané, but his consistency and impact in Serie A have earned him a rightful place among the nominees.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has voiced its unwavering support for both players, who could make history by claiming both the Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year titles in the same year, a feat last achieved by Nwankwo Kanu and Mercy Akide-Udoh in 1999, and more recently by Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala in 2023.

Other categories also feature Nigerian representation. In the Women’s Young Player of the Year race, former junior international Chiamaka Okwuchukwu will compete with Egypt’s Habiba Sabry and Morocco’s Doha El Madani.

Meanwhile, the Men’s National Team of the Year category sees Nigeria competing against Cote d’Ivoire and South Africa, while the Super Falcons are vying for the Women’s National Team of the Year alongside Morocco and South Africa.

Further adding to the excitement, Nigeria’s Edo Queens have earned a spot in the running for Women’s Club of the Year, alongside TP Mazembe of DR Congo and Morocco’s AS FAR.

As the countdown to tonight’s CAF Awards continues, the question remains: Will Lookman and Nnadozie make history as the first Nigerian duo to claim both the Player of the Year awards in the same ceremony?

The stage is set for a memorable night in Marrakesh.